Water sensitivity, antimicrobial, and physicochemical analyses of edible films based on HPMC and/or chitosan.

Several properties of chitosan films associated or not with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose polymer (HPMC) and HPMC films incorporating or not nisin and/or milk fat were studied. Nisin addition at a level of 250 microg mL-1 and likewise chitosan at 1% (w/v) concentration were efficient for total inhibiting Aspergillus niger and Kocuria rhizophila food deterioration microorganisms. HPMC and chitosan films were transparent, whereas nisin and/or fat incorporation induced a 2-fold lightness parameter increase and, consequently, involved more white films.

Physicochemical properties and bioactivity of nisin-containing cross-linked hydroxypropylmethylcellulose films.

Cross-linked hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) cast films with citric acid as polycarboxylic cross-linker were elaborated to study the effect of cross-linking level on various properties. Increased amounts of cross-linking agent were not connected to statistically different tensile strength and Young's modulus. Whatever the cross-linking level of the film was, the ultimate elongation parameter decreased by approximately 60% compared to the HMPC control film.

Edible bioactive fatty acid-cellulosic derivative composites used in food-packaging applications.

To develop biodegradable packaging that both acts as a moisture barrier and as antimicrobial activity, nisin and stearic acid were incorporated into a hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) based film. Fifteen percent (w/w HPMC) of stearic acid improved film moisture barrier. However, film mechanical resistance and film antimicrobial activity on Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus pathogenic strains were both reduced.